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H 1919

An Act prohibiting body size discrimination

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jamie Eldridge and 5 co-sponsors

Bill H 1919 prohibits discrimination based on height and weight in education, employment, and public spaces, promoting inclusivity and fairness for all body types in Massachusetts.

Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27)
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Bill Summary · H 1919

Summary of Bill H 1919: An Act Prohibiting Body Size Discrimination

Bill Number: H 1919
Introduced On: February 27, 2025
Status: Hearing scheduled for November 25, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM in A-2
Presented By: Tram T. Nguyen and co-sponsors

Purpose and Intent

Bill H 1919 aims to prohibit discrimination based on body size, specifically height and weight, within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The legislation seeks to amend existing laws to ensure that individuals are not treated unfairly in various contexts, including education and employment, due to their physical size. This bill is part of a broader movement to promote inclusivity and equality for all body types.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes several amendments to existing laws, primarily focusing on the inclusion of "height or weight" alongside other protected characteristics such as race, gender identity, and sexual orientation. The specific sections of the General Laws that will be amended include:

  1. Chapter 71, Section 89 - Education laws will be updated to include height and weight as protected categories.
  2. Chapter 76, Sections 5 and 12B - Provisions related to discrimination in educational settings will be amended to include height and weight.
  3. Chapter 151B - Employment discrimination laws will be revised to protect against discrimination based on height and weight, with exceptions only for compliance with established safety standards.
  4. Chapter 151C - Laws regarding public accommodations will be updated to include height and weight as protected characteristics.
  5. Chapter 151E and Chapter 272 - Additional amendments will ensure that height and weight are recognized in various legal contexts, again with safety standard exceptions.

Who Would Be Affected

The bill would impact a wide range of individuals and entities, including:

  • Students and Educators: Ensuring that students are not discriminated against in educational institutions based on their body size.
  • Employees and Employers: Protecting employees from discrimination in hiring, promotion, and workplace treatment based on height or weight.
  • Public Accommodations: Ensuring that individuals are treated fairly in public spaces, such as restaurants, hotels, and other services.

Procedural Aspects

  • Hearing Date: A public hearing is scheduled for November 25, 2025, allowing stakeholders and the public to provide input on the bill.
  • Legislative Process: The bill was referred to the Committee on The Judiciary on the day it was introduced and has received concurrence from the Senate.

Conclusion

Bill H 1919 represents a significant step towards addressing body size discrimination in Massachusetts. By amending existing laws to include height and weight as protected characteristics, the bill aims to foster a more inclusive environment across educational and employment sectors, ensuring that individuals are treated fairly regardless of their body size.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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